10 Gardens Prettier Than a Lawn -- and More Water-Efficient, Too

Parkway Garden in Chicago

Parkways offer an opportunity for landless water conservationists to participate in lawn removal. In Chicago, most of the parkways are covered in sod. Even though these strips are city-owned property, the watering and maintenance of these strips are the responsibility of homeowners.

This parkway is planted with native and drought tolerant plants that divert rainwater from our sewer system, provide food and forage for pollinators, and brighten up the neighborhood. If you want something more productive you can plant vegetables and herbs in a parkway like fashion designer Ron Finley did in Los Angeles, and create a place where your neighbors can feed themselves and mingle.